U.S. patent application number 14/787476 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-02 for display devices and methods of using the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC. Invention is credited to Takahisa KUSUURA.
Application Number | 20160155965 14/787476 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52022605 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160155965 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KUSUURA; Takahisa |
June 2, 2016 |
DISPLAY DEVICES AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME
Abstract
Disclosed herein are display devices including a flexible
electronic display layer that is configured to emit an image. The
flexible electronic display layer can, for example, be configured
to releasably couple with a flexible supporting layer to increase
stiffness of the flexible electronic display layer. Methods of
making and using the display devices are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
KUSUURA; Takahisa; (Tokyo,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC |
Wilmington |
DE |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52022605 |
Appl. No.: |
14/787476 |
Filed: |
June 11, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
June 11, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US13/45180 |
371 Date: |
October 28, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/749 ;
242/388.6; 29/829 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02P 70/521 20151101;
B32B 2457/208 20130101; H01L 51/0024 20130101; H05K 3/22 20130101;
G02F 1/133305 20130101; G06F 3/0412 20130101; Y02E 10/549 20130101;
G09F 9/301 20130101; Y10T 428/1091 20150115; G06F 1/1652 20130101;
C09K 2323/05 20200801; G09F 9/00 20130101; H01L 51/0097 20130101;
G02F 2202/28 20130101; B65H 16/021 20130101; Y02P 70/50 20151101;
H01L 2251/5338 20130101; B32B 2457/20 20130101; B32B 2457/206
20130101; G09F 9/302 20130101; H05K 1/02 20130101; Y10T 428/1059
20150115; B32B 2457/202 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01L 51/00 20060101
H01L051/00; G06F 3/041 20060101 G06F003/041; B65H 16/02 20060101
B65H016/02; H05K 3/22 20060101 H05K003/22; H05K 1/02 20060101
H05K001/02 |
Claims
1. A display device comprising: a flexible electronic display layer
comprising: a first side configured to emit an image; and a second
side comprising a first section configured to releasably couple a
second section. a flexible supporting layer comprising: a first
side comprising the second section, wherein the second side of the
flexible electronic display layer is configured to releasably
couple with the first side of the flexible supporting layer to
increase stiffness of the flexible electronic display layer.
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. The display device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first
section on the second side of the flexible electronic display layer
and the second section on the first side of the flexible supporting
layer comprises a release surface; and at least one of the first
section on the second side of the flexible electronic display layer
and the second section on the second side of the first side of the
flexible supporting layer comprises an adhesive.
5. The display device of claim 4, wherein the release surface is
siliconized.
6. The display device of claim 4, wherein the release surface
comprises a fluoropolymer.
7. The display device of claim 4, wherein the adhesive is a
pressure-sensitive Adhesive.
8. The display device of claim 1, wherein: at least one of the
first side of flexible supporting layer and the second side of
flexible display layer comprises one or more male engaging members;
and at least one of the first side of flexible supporting layer and
the second side of flexible display layer comprises one or more
female engaging member configured to releasably engage the one or
more male engaging members, wherein the one or more female
engaging, members comprise one or more loops, wherein the one or
more male engaging members comprise one or more hooks configured to
releasable engage the one or more loops.
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. The display device of claim 1, wherein the first side of
flexible supporting layer comprises one or more suction cups
configured to releasably adhere the second side of flexible
electronic display layer.
13. (canceled)
14. The display device of claim 1, wherein: the first side of
flexible supporting layer comprises one or more first magnetized
regions having a first polarity; the second side of flexible
electronic display layer comprises one or more second magnetized
regions having a second polarity; and the first magnetized regions
on the first side of flexible supporting layer are configured to
releasably couple with the second magnetized regions on the second
section side of flexible electronic display layer.
15. The display device of claim 1, wherein: the first side of
flexible supporting layer comprises one or more first chanted
regions having a first charge; the second side of flexible
electronic display layer comprises one or more second charged
regions having a second charge; and the first charged regions on
the first side of flexible supporting layer are configured to
releasably couple with the second charged regions on the second
side of flexible electronic display layer.
16. The display device of claim 1, wherein the first side of
flexible supporting layer comprises a first patterned array of
projections and the second side of flexible electronic display
layer comprises a second patterned array of projections, wherein
the first array of projections is configured to releasably engage
the second patterned array of projections to increase stiffness of
the flexible electronic display layer, wherein at least one of the
first patterned array of projections and the second patterned array
is or hollow projections.
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
21. (canceled)
22. (canceled)
23. (canceled)
24. (canceled)
25. (canceled)
26. (canceled)
27. The display device of claim 16, wherein at least one of the
first patterned array of projections and the second patterned array
of projections have projections comprising an electrorheological
fluid or a magnetorheological fluid encapsulated in a resin.
28. The display device of claim 16, wherein at least one of the
first patterned array of projections and the second patterned array
of projections have a rhombic lattice, a hexagonal lattice, a
square lattice, a rectangular lattice, or a parallelogrammic.
29. The display device of claim 28, wherein the first patterned
array of projections has about the same lattice as the second
patterned array of projections.
30. (canceled)
31. (canceled)
32. (canceled)
33. The display device of claim 1, wherein the flexible electronic
display layer and the flexible supporting layer are rotatably
coupled about a hinge.
34. The display device of claim 1, further comprising: a first
roller, wherein the flexible electronic display layer is at least
partially wound around the first roller; a second roller, wherein
the flexible supporting layer is at least partially wound around
the second roller, wherein the display device is configured so that
the first section on the second side of the flexible electronic
display layer engages the second section on the first side of the
flexible supporting layer while unwinding the flexible electronic
display layer from the first roller, and a housing haying at least
one opening, wherein the first roller and the second roller are
disposed within the housing and wherein the flexible electronic
display layer is configured to be withdrawn from the housing
through the opening of the housing, wherein the flexible electronic
display layer and the flexible supporting layer are at least
partially joined at one side edge so that the flexible electronic
display layer is rotatable about the side edge to switch between a
first configuration where the first side of the flexible electronic
display layer is interfaced with a second side of the flexible
support layer, and a second configuration where the first side of
the flexible supporting layer is engaged with the second side of
the flexible electronic display layer.
35. (canceled)
36. (canceled)
37. (canceled)
38. (canceled)
39. (canceled)
40. (canceled)
41. (canceled)
42. (canceled)
43. A method of using a display device, the method comprising:
providing a display device comprising: a flexible electronic
display layer comprising: a first side configured to emit an image;
and a second side comprising a first section configured to
releasably couple a second section; and a flexible supporting layer
comprising a first side, wherein the first side of the Flexible
supporting layer comprises the second section; and engaging the
first section on the second side of the flexible electronic display
with the second section on the first side of the flexible
supporting layer to increase stiffness of the flexible electronic
display layer.
44. (canceled)
45. (canceled)
46. (canceled)
47. The method of claim 46, wherein engaging the first section on
the second side of the flexible electronic display layer with the
second section on the first side of the flexible supporting layer
comprises: unwinding the flexible electronic display layer from a
first roller; and unwinding the flexible supporting layer from a
second roller, wherein the flexible electronic display layer is
unwound at about the same time as the flexible supporting
liner.
48. The method of claim 47, wherein the first section on the second
side of the flexible electronic display layer engages the second
section on the first side of the flexible supporting layer while
passing between the first roller and the second roller during
unwinding.
49. The method of claim 47 further comprising withdrawing at least
a portion of the flexible electronic display layer and at least a
portion of the flexible supporting layers through an opening of a
housing, wherein the housing contains the first roller and the
second roller.
50. The method of claim 43, further comprising: winding the
flexible electronic display layer around a first roller; and
winding the flexible supporting layer around a second roller,
wherein the flexible electronic display layer is wound at about the
same time as the flexible supporting layer, and wherein first
section on the second side of the flexible electronic display layer
disengages the second section on the first side of the flexible
supporting layer during winding.
51. The method of claim 50, wherein the first section on the second
side of the flexible electronic display layer disengages the second
section on the first side of the flexible supporting layer while
passing between the first roller and the second roller during
winding.
52. The method of claim 43, wherein engaging the first section on
the second side of the flexible electronic display layer with the
second section on the first side of the flexible supporting layer
comprises: starting from a first configuration where the first side
of the flexible electronic display layer is interfaced with the
second side of the flexible support layer, rotating the flexible
electronic display layer about a side edge to bring the second side
of the flexible electronic display layer towards the first side of
the flexible supporting layer.
53. The method of claim 52, further comprising rotating the
flexible electronic display layer about the side edge so that the
second section on the first side of the flexible supporting layer
disengages the first section on the second side of the flexible
electronic display layer to return to the first configuration.
54. (canceled)
55. (canceled)
56. (canceled)
57. (canceled)
58. (canceled)
59. A method of making a display device, the method comprising:
forming a first patterned array of projections on a first side of a
flexible supporting layer; forming a second patterned array of
projections on the second side of the flexible electronic display
layer, wherein the flexible electronic display layer comprises a
first side configured to emit an image, wherein the first patterned
array of projections formed the first side of flexible supporting
layer is configured to releasably engage the second patterned array
of projections formed on the second side of the flexible electronic
display layer to increase stiffness of the flexible electronic
display layer.
60. (canceled)
61. (canceled)
62. The method of claim 59, wherein at least one of forming the
first patterned array of projections and forming the second
patterned array of projections, comprises casting, injection
molding, or heat pressing.
63. (canceled)
64. (canceled)
65. (canceled)
66. (canceled)
67. (canceled)
68. (canceled)
69. (canceled)
70. (canceled)
71. (canceled)
72. The method of claim 59, further comprising rotatably coupling
the flexible electronic display layer with the flexible supporting
layer.
73. (canceled)
74. The method of claim 59, further comprising: providing a first
roller and a second roller; winding at least a portion of the
flexible electronic display layer around the first roller; winding
at least a portion of the flexible supporting layer around the
second roller, wherein the display device is configured so that the
first patterned array of projections on the first section on the
flexible electronic display layer engages the second patterned
array of projections on the second section; providing a housing
haying at least one opening, wherein the first roller and the
second roller are disposed within the housing, and wherein the
flexible electronic display layer is configured to be withdrawn
from the housing through the opening of the housing; and providing
at least joining of the flexible electronic display layer and the
flexible support layer at one side edge, wherein the display device
is configured so that the flexible electronic display layer is
rotatable about the side edge to switch between a first
configuration where the first side of the flexible electronic
display layer is interfaced with the second side of the flexible
support layer, and a second configuration where the first patterned
array of projections on the first section on the second side of the
display layer is engaged with the second patterned array of
projections on the second section.
75. (canceled)
76. (canceled)
77. (canceled)
78. (canceled)
79. (canceled)
80. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described
in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application
and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this
section.
[0002] Ultra-thin flexible electronic display film technology is
promising in terms providing portability for large displays. The
flexible display can be of various designs and technological
features include OLED, LEP, E-Ink, flexible LCD, and the like. The
flexible display can be rolled or folded into a compact
configuration, and then expanded when used for viewing.
SUMMARY
[0003] Some embodiments disclosed herein are related to a display
device. The display device can include: a flexible electronic
display layer comprising a first side configured to emit an image
and a second side comprising a first section configured to
releasably couple a second section to increase stiffness of the
flexible electronic display device. The display device can also
include: a flexible supporting layer comprising a first side; and a
flexible electronic display layer comprising: a first side
configured to emit an image; and a second side configured to
releasably couple with the first side of the flexible supporting
layer to increase stiffness of the flexible electronic display
layer.
[0004] In some embodiments, the flexible supporting layer comprises
a first patterned array of projections on the first side of the
flexible supporting layer; the second side of the flexible
electronic display layer comprises a second patterned array of
projections: and the first patterned array of projections on the
first side of the flexible supporting layer is configured to
releasably engage the second patterned array of projections on the
second side of the flexible electronic display layer to increase
stiffness of the flexible electronic display layer.
[0005] In some embodiments, at least one of the first patterned
array of projections and the second patterned array of projections
comprises projections having a cylindrical shape, a cuboidal shape,
a polyhedral shape, a rectangular prism shape, a triangular prism
shape, or a hexagonal prism shape. In some embodiments, at least
one of the first patterned array of projections and the second
patterned array of projections comprises straight bands. In some
embodiments, at least one of the first patterned array of
projections and the second patterned array of projections comprises
curved bands.
[0006] In some embodiments, the projections in at least one of the
first patterned array of projections and the second patterned array
of projections have a width of about 1 nm to about 5 mm. In some
embodiments, the projections in at least one of the first patterned
array of projections and the second patterned array of projections
have a thickness of about 10 nm to about 5 mm.
[0007] In some embodiments, the projections in the first patterned
array of projections have about the same shape and dimensions as
the projections in the second patterned array of projections.
[0008] In some embodiments, at least one of the first patterned
array of projections and the second patterned array of projections
have projections comprising a resin. In some embodiments, the resin
comprises one or more of a rubber, a polyester, polystyrene,
polytetrafluoroethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene,
polyolefins, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride,
polyamide, polyimide, polysulfone, polyetherketone, a liquid
crystal polymer, polybenzimidazole, polyurethane, phenol resin,
epoxy resin, silicon resin, acrylics, polyethylene terephthalate, a
polycarbonate, a polycyclolefin, a polyimide, and copolymers
thereof.
[0009] In some embodiments, at least one of the first patterned
array of projections and the second patterned array of projections
have porous projections. In some embodiments, at least one of the
first patterned array of projections and the second patterned array
of projections have hollow projections,
[0010] In some embodiments, at least one of the first patterned
array of projections and the second patterned array of projections
have projections comprising an electrorheological fluid or a
magnetorheological fluid encapsulated in a resin. In some
embodiments, at least one of the first patterned array of
projections and the second patterned array of projections have a
rhombic lattice, a hexagonal lattice, a square lattice, a
rectangular lattice, or a parallelogrammic lattice.
[0011] In some embodiments, the first patterned array of
projections has about the same lattice as the second patterned
array of projections.
[0012] In some embodiments, at least one of the first side of the
flexible supporting layer and the second side of the flexible
electronic display layer comprises a release surface; and at least
one of the first side of the flexible supporting layer and the
second side of the flexible electronic display layer comprises an
adhesive.
[0013] In some embodiments, the release surface is siliconized. In
some embodiments, the release surface comprises a
fluoropolymer.
[0014] In some embodiments, the adhesive is a pressure-sensitive
adhesive.
[0015] In some embodiments, at least one of the first side of the
flexible supporting layer and the second side of the flexible
electronic display layer comprises one or more male engaging
members, and at least one of the first side of the flexible
supporting layer and the second side of the flexible electronic
display layer comprises one or more female engaging member
configured to releasably engage the one or more male engaging
members.
[0016] In some embodiments, the one or more female engaging members
comprise one or more loops, and wherein the one or more male
engaging members comprise one or more hooks Con figured to
releasably engage the one or more loops.
[0017] In some embodiments, the display device comprises
hook-and-loop fasteners.
[0018] In some embodiments, the one or more female engaging members
have a concave surface, and wherein the one or more male engaging
members have a convex surface configured to releasably engage the
concave surface of the one or more female engaging members.
[0019] In some embodiments, the first side of the flexible
supporting layer comprises one or more suction cups configured to
releasably adhere the second side of the flexible electronic
display layer. In some embodiments, the second side of the flexible
electronic display layer comprises one or more suction cups
configured to releasably adhere the first side of the flexible
supporting layer.
[0020] In some embodiments, the display device further comprises a
second flexible supporting layer, the second flexible supporting
layer comprising a first side configured to releasably engage a
second side of the flexible supporting layer.
[0021] In some embodiments, the first side of the flexible
supporting layer comprises one or more first magnetized regions
have a first polarity; the second side of the flexible electronic
display layer comprises one or more second magnetized regions have
a second polarity; and the first magnetized regions on the first
side of the flexible supporting layer are configured to releasably
couple with the second magnetized regions on the second side of the
flexible electronic layer.
[0022] In some embodiments, the first side of the flexible
supporting layer comprises one or more first charged regions have a
first charge; the second side of the flexible electronic display
layer comprises one or more second charged regions have a second
charge; and the first charged regions on the first side of the
flexible supporting layer are configured to releasably couple with
the second charged regions on the second side of the flexible
electronic layer.
[0023] In some embodiments, the flexible electronic display layer
and the flexible supporting layer are rotatably coupled. In some
embodiments, the flexible electronic display layer and the flexible
supporting layer are rotatably coupled about a hinge.
[0024] In some embodiments, the flexible electronic display layer
comprises an organic electroluminescent display or an
electro-optical display.
[0025] In some embodiments, the display device further comprises: a
first roller, wherein the flexible electronic display layer is at
least partially wound around the first roller; and a second roller,
wherein the flexible supporting layer is at least partially wound
around the second roller, wherein the display device is configured
so that the first side of the flexible supporting layer engages the
second side of the flexible electronic display layer while
unwinding the flexible electronic display layer from the first
roller.
[0026] In some embodiments, the first side of the flexible
electronic display layer is coupled to the first roller at a first
end of the flexible displayer layer, and a second side of the
flexible supporting layer is coupled to the second roller at a
first end of the flexible supporting layer.
[0027] In some embodiments, a second end of the flexible electronic
display layer is coupled to a second end of the flexible supporting
layer.
[0028] In some embodiments, the first roller is configured to
rotate about a first axis, the second roller is configured to
rotate about a second axis, and the first axis is generally
parallel with the second axis.
[0029] In some embodiments, the display device further comprises a
housing having at least one opening, wherein the first roller and
the second roller are disposed within the housing, and wherein the
flexible electronic display layer is configured to be withdrawn
from the housing through the opening of the housing.
[0030] In some embodiments, at least one of the first roller and
the second roller are spring loaded. In some embodiments, at least
one of the first roller and the second roller comprises a
ratchet.
[0031] In some embodiments, the flexible electronic, display layer
and the flexible support layer are at least partially joined at one
side edge so that the flexible electronic display layer is
rotatable about the side edge to switch between a first
configuration where the first side of the flexible electronic
display layer is interfaced with the second side of the flexible
support layer, and a second configuration were the first side of
the flexible supporting layer is engaged with the second side of
the flexible electronic display layer.
[0032] Some embodiments disclosed herein are related to a method of
using a display device. The method can include: providing a display
device comprising: a flexible supporting layer comprising a first
side; and a flexible electronic display layer comprising a first
side configured to emit an image and a second side configured to
releasably couple with the first side of the flexible supporting
layer to increase stiffness of the flexible electronic display
layer; and engaging the first side of the flexible supporting layer
with the second side of the flexible electronic display layer.
[0033] In some embodiments, the method further comprises
disengaging the first side of the flexible supporting layer from
the second side of the flexible electronic display layer. In some
embodiments, engaging the first side of the flexible supporting
layer with the second side of the flexible electronic display
comprises: unwinding the flexible electronic display layer from a
first roller; and unwinding the flexible supporting layer from a
second roller, wherein the flexible electronic display layer is
unwound at about the same time as the flexible supporting
layer.
[0034] In some embodiments, the first side of the flexible
supporting layer engages the second side of the flexible electronic
display layer while passing between the first roller and the second
roller during unwinding.
[0035] In some embodiments, the method further comprises
withdrawing at least a portion of the flexible electronic display
layer and at least a portion of the flexible supporting layer
through an opening of a housing, wherein the housing contains the
first roller and the second roller.
[0036] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: winding
the flexible electronic display layer around a first roller; and
winding the flexible supporting layer around a second roller,
wherein the flexible electronic display layer is wound at about the
same time as the flexible supporting layer, and wherein the first
side of the flexible supporting layer disengages the second side of
the flexible electronic display layer during winding.
[0037] In some embodiments, the first side of the flexible
supporting layer disengages the second side of the flexible
electronic display layer while passing between the first roller and
the second roller during winding.
[0038] In some embodiments, engaging the first side of the flexible
supporting layer with the second side of the flexible electronic
display comprises: starting from a first configuration where the
first side of the flexible electronic display layer is interfaced
with the second side of the flexible support layer, rotating the
flexible electronic display layer about a side edge to bring the
second side of the flexible electronic display layer towards the
first side of the flexible supporting layer.
[0039] In some embodiments, the method further comprises rotating
the flexible electronic, display layer about the side edge so that
the second side of the flexible electronic display layer disengages
the first side of the flexible supporting layer to return to the
first configuration.
[0040] Some embodiments disclosed herein are related to a display
device comprising: a first roller; a first flexible supporting
layer having a first portion wound around the first roller, where
the first flexible supporting layer comprises a first side; a
second roller; a first flexible electronic display layer having a
first portion wound around the second roller, wherein the first
flexible electronic display layer comprises a first side configured
to emit an image and a second side; and a first housing having a
first opening, wherein at least the first roller and the second
roller are disposed within the first housing, wherein at least a
portion of the first side of the first flexible supporting layer
are engaged with at least a portion of the second side on the first
flexible electronic display layer, and wherein at least a portion
of the first flexible electronic display layer engaged with the
first flexible supporting layer extends in a direction from the
first roller to the first opening of the first housing.
[0041] In some embodiments, the display device further comprises: a
third roller; a second flexible supporting layer having a first
portion wound around the third roller, wherein the second flexible
supporting layer comprises a first side; a fourth roller; and a
second flexible electronic display layer having a first portion
wound around the fourth roller, wherein the second flexible
electronic display layer comprises a first side configured to emit
an image and a second side, wherein at least a portion the first
side of the second flexible supporting layer is engaged with at
least a portion of the second side on the second flexible
electronic display layer.
[0042] In some embodiments, the first housing further comprises a
second opening, wherein the third roller and the fourth roller are
disposed within the first housing, and wherein at least a portion
of the second flexible electronic display layer engaged with the
second flexible supporting layer extends in a direction from the
third toiler to the second opening of the first housing,
[0043] In some embodiments, the display device further comprises a
second housing having a second opening. Wherein the third roller
and the fourth roller are disposed within the second housing, and
wherein at least: a portion of the second flexible electronic.
display layer engaged with the second flexible supporting layer
extends in a direction from the third roller to the second opening,
of the second housing.
[0044] In some embodiments, the second housing is rotatably coupled
to first housing.
[0045] Some embodiments disclosed, herein provide a method of
making a display device, where the method includes: forming a first
patterned array of projections on a first side of a flexible
supporting layer; and forming a second patterned array of
projections on a second side of a flexible electronic display
layer, wherein the flexible electronic display layer comprises a
first side configured to emit an image, wherein the first patterned
array of projections .formed on the first side of the flexible
supporting, layer is configured to releasably engage the second
patterned array of projections formed on the second side of the
flexible electronic display layer to increase stiffness of the
flexible electronic display layer.
[0046] In some embodiments, at least one of forming the first
patterned array of projections and forming the second patterned
array of projections, comprises casting, injection molding, or heat
pressing.
[0047] In some embodiments, the method further comprises engaging
at least a portion of the first patterned array of projections on
the first side of the flexible supporting layer with at least as
portion of the second patterned array of projections on the second
side of the flexible electronic display layer.
[0048] In some embodiments, the method further comprises fixing a
first end of the flexible supporting layer to a first end of the
flexible electronic display layer.
[0049] In some embodiments, at least one of forming the first
patterned array of projections and forming the second patterned
array of projections, comprises forming projections having a
cylindrical shape, a cuboidal shape, a polyhedral shape a
rectangular prism shape, a triangular prism shape, or a hexagonal
prism shape.
[0050] In some embodiments, at least one of forming the first
patterned array of projections and forming the second patterned
array of projections, comprises forming projections having straight
bands. In some embodiments, at least one of forming the first
patterned array of projections and forming the second patterned
array of projections, comprises forming projections having a width
of about 100 .mu.m to about 5 mm.
[0051] In some embodiments, at least one of forming the first
patterned array of projections and forming the second patterned
array of projections, comprises forming projections having a
thickness of about 100 .mu.m to about 5 mm.
[0052] In some embodiments, at least one of forming the first
patterned array of projections and forming the second patterned
array of projections, comprises forming the projections with a
material comprising a resin. In some embodiments, the resin
comprises one or more of a rubber, a polyester, polystyrene,
polytetrafluoroethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene,
polyolefins, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride,
polyamide, polyimide, polysulfone, polyetherketone, a liquid
crystal polymer, polybenzimidazole, polyurethane, phenol resin,
epoxy resin, silicon resin, acrylics, polyethylene terephthalate, a
polycarbonate, a polycyclolefin, as polyimide, and copolymers
thereof.
[0053] In some embodiments, at least one of forming the first
patterned array of projections and forming the second patterned
array of projections, comprises patterning the array projections in
a rhombic lattice, a hexagonal lattice, a square lattice, a
rectangular lattice, or a parallelogram-shaped lattice.
[0054] In some embodiments, the method further composes rotatably
coupling the flexible electronic display layer with the flexible
supporting layer.
[0055] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: forming a
third patterned array of projections on a first side of a second
flexible supporting layer; and forming a fourth patterned array of
projections on a second side of the flexible supporting layer,
wherein the third patterned array of projections on the first side
of the second flexible supporting layer is configured to releasably
engage a fourth patterned array of projections on a second side of
the flexible supporting layer.
[0056] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: providing
a first roller and a second roller; winding at least a portion of
the flexible electronic display layer around the first roller; and
winding at least a portion of the flexible supporting layer around
the second roller, wherein the display device is configured so that
the first patterned array of projections on the flexible supporting
layer engages the second patterned array of projections on the
flexible electronic display layer while unwinding the flexible
electronic display layer from the first roller.
[0057] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: providing
a housing having at least one opening, wherein the first roller and
the second roller are disposed within the housing, and wherein the
flexible electronic display layer is configured to be withdrawn
from the housing through the opening of the housing.
[0058] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: providing
at least a partial joining of the flexible electronic display layer
and the flexible support layer at one side edge, wherein the
display device is configured so that the flexible electronic
display layer is rotatable about the side edge to switch between a
first configuration where the first side of the flexible electronic
display layer is interfaced with the second side of the flexible
support layer, and a second configuration where the first patterned
array of projections on the first side of the flexible supporting
layer is engaged with the second patterned array of projections on
the second side of the flexible electronic display layer,
[0059] Some embodiments disclosed herein provide a method of making
a display device, where the method includes: forming a first
patterned array of projections on a first side of a first flexible
supporting layer; forming a second patterned array of projections
on as second side of a first flexible electronic display layer,
wherein the first flexible electronic display layer comprises a
first side configured to emit an image; providing a first roller
and a second roller; winding at least a portion of the first
flexible supporting layer around the first roller; winding at least
a portion of the first flexible electronic display layer around the
second roller; and providing a first housing having a first
opening, wherein at least the first roller and the second roller
are disposed within the first housing, wherein at least a portion
of the first patterned array of projections on the first flexible
supporting layer are engaged with at least a portion of the second
patterned array of projections on the first flexible electronic
display layer, and wherein at least a portion of the first flexible
electronic display layer engaged with the first flexible supporting
layer extends in a direction from the first roller to the first
opening of the first housing.
[0060] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: forming a
third patterned array of projections on a first side of a second
flexible supporting layer; forming a fourth patterned array of
projections on a second side of a second flexible electronic
display layer, wherein the second flexible electronic display layer
comprises a first side configured as a touchscreen; providing a
third roller and a fourth roller; winding a least a portion of the
second flexible supporting layer around the third roller; and
winding at least a portion of the second flexible electronic
display layer around the fourth roller, wherein at least a portion
of the third patterned array of projections on the second flexible
supporting layer are engaged with at least a portion of the fourth
patterned array of projections on the second flexible electronic
display layer.
[0061] In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing
a second opening in the first housing, wherein the third roller and
the fourth roller are disposed within the first housing, and
wherein at least a portion of the second flexible electronic
display layer engaged with the second flexible supporting layer
extends in a direction from the third roller to the second opening
of the first housing.
[0062] In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing
a second housing having a second opening, wherein the third roller
and the fourth roller are disposed within the second housing, and
wherein at least a portion of the second flexible electronic
display layer engaged with the second flexible supporting layer
extends in a direction from the third roller to the second opening
of the second housing.
[0063] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not
intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative
aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further
aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by
reference to the drawings and the following detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0064] The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure
will become more fully apparent from the following description and
appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several
embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are not to be
considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described
with additional specificity and detail through use of the
accompanying drawings.
[0065] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one example of a display
device that is within the scope of the present application.
[0066] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of one example of a display
device having two flexible supporting layers that is within the
scope of the present application.
[0067] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of one example of a display
device having two flexible electronic display layers that is within
the scope of the present application.
[0068] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of one example of a display
device having two flexible electronic display layers that is within
the scope of the present application.
[0069] FIGS. 5A-B are cross-sectional views of one example of a
display device having two layers rotatably coupled that is within
the scope of the present application.
[0070] FIGS. 6A-F are cross-sectional views of one example of a
display device that is within the scope of the present
application.
[0071] FIGS. 7A-D are cross-sectional views of one example of a
display device that is within the scope of the present
application.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0072] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the
drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components,
unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments
described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not
meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be used, and other
changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of
the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood
that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described
herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged,
substituted, combined., and designed in a wide variety of different
configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and form
part of this disclosure. With respect to the use of any plural
and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can
translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular
to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application.
The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth
herein for sake of clarity.
[0073] Some embodiments disclosed herein include a display device,
The display device can include a flexible supporting layer having a
first side, and a flexible electronic display layer. The flexible
electronic display layer can include, for example, a first side
configured to emit an image and a second side configured to
releasably couple with the first side of the flexible supporting
layer to increase stiffness of the flexible electronic display
layer. The display device can, in some embodiments, advantageously
provide a flexible electronic display that can be compactly stored,
while also exhibiting increased stiffness when expanded for
viewing.
[0074] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one example of a display
device that is within the scope of the present application. Display
device 100 can include housing 105 having opening 110. First roller
115 can be disposed within housing 100, where flexible electronic
display layer 120 is partially wound around first roller 115. As an
example, the flexible electronic display layer can include an
organic electroluminescent display or an electro-optical display.
Flexible electronic display layer 120 can include first side 122
that is configured to emit an image (for example, video or a still
image). Flexible electronic display layer 120 can also include
second side 123 having projections 124 patterned on second side
123.
[0075] Second roller 125 can have flexible supporting layer 130
partially wound around second roller 125. The flexible supporting
layer is not particularly limited, and can include, for example, a
suitable polymer material including a rubber, a polyester,
polystyrene, polytetrafluoroethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene, polyolefins, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl
chloride, polyamide, polyimide, polysulfone, polyetherketone, a
liquid crystal polymer, polybenzimidazole, polyurethane, phenol
resin, epoxy resin, silicon resin, acrylics, polyethylene
terephthalate, a polycarbonate, a polycyclolefin a polyimide, or a
combination thereof Flexible supporting layer 130 can include first
side 132 having projections 133.
[0076] Second side 123 of flexible electronic display layer 120 can
be configured to releasably couple first side 132 of flexible
supporting layer 130 as portions of the two layers are unwound from
first roller 115 and second roller 125. In particular, projections
124 and projections 133 can releasably engage each other to couple
the two sides together, For example, projections 124 can be
configured in a pattern, and projections 133 can be configured in a
complimentary pattern so that the projections interlock. First
roller 115 and second roller 125 can be configured so that second
side 123 of flexible electronic display layer 120 releasably
couples with first side 132 of flexible supporting layer 130 while
unwinding from the roller. By coupling the two layers together
during unwinding, the stiffness of flexible electronic display
layer 120 can be increased when it is removed from housing 100
through opening 110 for viewing. First roller 115 can be configured
to rotate about a first axis extending out of the page, and second
roller 125 can be configured to rotate about a second axis
extending out of the page. The first axis may be generally parallel
with the second axis.
[0077] Second side 123 of flexible electronic display layer 120 can
be fixed to first side 132 of flexible supporting layer 130. As
shown in FIG. 1, fastener 135 may fix the two sides together at the
end spaced apart from first roller 115 and second roller 125.
Fastener 135 may optionally be dimensioned such that fastener 135
cannot fit through opening 110. This configuration can prevent the
layers from being completed retracted into housing 100 and/or
completely wound onto their respective rollers. In some
embodiments, the second side 123 of flexible electronic display
layer 120 can be fixed to first side of flexible supporting by an
adhesive. First side 122 of flexible electronic display layer 120
can optionally be fixed to first roller 115 at an end adjacent to
first roller 115. Similarly, second side 134 of flexible supporting
layer 130 can optionally be fixed to second roller 125 at an end
adjacent to second roller 125.
[0078] One or more of the rollers in the display device (for
example, first roller 115 and/or second roller 125 in display
device 100 as depicted in FIG. 1) can optionally be spring-loaded.
For example, the rollers can include a spring along its axis of
rotation that increases tension when a layer is unwound. One or
more of the rollers can also include, in some embodiments, a
ratchet that prevents the spring-loaded roller from winding-up the
layer. The ratchet can be configured so that it can be released
(e.g., by manually pressing a button or sliding a switch) when it
is desired to retract the layers into the housing. An example of a
spring-loaded roller with a ratchet, control is described, in US
2011/0079676, entitled "Retractable Cord Reel".
[0079] The structure of the projections in the flexible supporting
layer and flexible electronic display layer are not particularly
limited for example, projections 124 and projections 133 as
depicted in FIG. 1), Projection shapes can be regular or irregular.
Non-limiting, examples of suitable shapes for projections include a
cylindrical shape, a cuboidal shape, a polyhedral shape, a
rectangular prism shape, a triangular prism shape, and a hexagonal
prism shape. The projections can be patterned in various
configurations, so long as they can releasably engage. For example,
the flexible electronic display layer can include projections that
are straight bands extending parallel with troughs disposed between
the bands. The flexible supporting layer can also include parallel
straight bands that configured to fit within the troughs on the
flexible electronic display layer. Similarly, curved bands can be
used on both layers that are appropriately spaced to fit into
curved troughs. In some embodiments, the projections can be
patterned in a two-dimensional lattice, such as a rhombic lattice,
a hexagonal lattice, a square lattice, a rectangular lattice, or a
parallelogram-shaped lattice. For example, both layers can include
cylindrical projections arranged in a hexagonal lattice that will
releasably engage. The two-dimension lattice of the projections on
the flexible electronic display layer can be the same or different
than the two-dimensional lattice of the projections on the flexible
supporting layer.
[0080] The projections can include a suitable material that imparts
some flexibility to releasable engage the two layers, but without
significantly deforming. In some embodiments, the projections
include a resin. The resin can be, for example, one or more of as
rubber, a polyester, polystyrene, polytetrafluoroethylene,
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyolefins, polyethylene,
polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, polyimide,
polysulfone, polyetherketone, a liquid crystal polymer,
polybenzimidazole, polyurethane, phenol resin, epoxy resin, silicon
resin, acrylics, polyethylene terephthalate, a polycarbonate, a
polycyclolefin, a polyimide, and copolymers thereof in some
embodiments, the projections can be porous. In some embodiments,
the projections can be hollow.
[0081] The dimensions of the projections are not particularly
limited, The projections can, for example, have a width of at least
about 1 nm, at least about 1 .mu.m, at least about 100 .mu.m, at
least about 500 .mu.m, or at least about 1 mm. The projections can,
for example, have a width of less than or equal to about 5 mm, less
than or equal to about 3 mm, less than or equal to about 1 mm, less
than or equal to about 500 .mu.m, less than or equal to about 100
.mu.m, or less than or equal to about 1 .mu.m. In some embodiments,
the width of the projections can be about 1 nm to about 5 mm, about
100 .mu.m to about 5 mm, or about 1 .mu.m to about 100 .mu.m. The
width of the projections on the flexible electronic display layer
can be about the same or different than the width of the
projections on the flexible supporting layer.
[0082] The thickness of the projections is not particularly
limited. The projections can, for example, have a thickness of at
least about 10 nm, at least about 1 .mu.m, at least about 100
.mu.m, at least about 500 .mu.m, or at least about 1 mm, The
projections may, for example, have a thickness of less than or
equal to about 5 mm, less than or equal to about 3 mm, less than or
equal to about 1 mm, less than or equal to about 500 .mu.m, less
than or equal to about 100 .mu.m, or less than or equal to about 1
.mu.m. In some embodiments, the thickness of the projections can be
about 10 nm to about 5 mm, or about 1 .mu.m to about 1 mm. The
thickness of the projections an the flexible electronic display
layer can be about the same or different than the thickness of the
projections on the flexible supporting layer,
[0083] The projections can, in some embodiments, include an
electrorheological fluid or a magnetorheological fluid. For
example, the projection can include a resin that forms a cavity
containing the electrotheological fluid or a magnetorheological
fluid, A suitable electromagnetic field can be applied to increase
stiffness and/or adherence of the projections when engaged,
Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-290203 and Tshuchiya, K, et
al. "Control of Viscosity Using Redox Reaction," J. Am. Chem. Soc.,
2004, Vol, 12.6(39) pp. 1282-83 suggest suitable fluids for
including in the projection. However, the present application is
not limited to any particular electrorheological fluid or
magnetorheological fluid.
[0084] In some embodiments, the projections can include a
stimulus-responsive polymer. For example, a gel containing the
stimulus-responsive polymer can be disposed within a cavity of the
projection. An appropriate electromagnetic field or other stimulus
can be applied so that the gel expands when the projections are
engaged to increase stiffness and/or adherence. Japanese Patent
Publication No. 2006-353034 suggests non-limiting stimulus
responsive polymers that can be used in the projections.
[0085] Although the display device depicted in FIG. 1 is depicted
as containing projections that releasably couple, various other
means for releasably coupling the layers can also be used in the
alternate or addition to the projections. In some embodiments, one
layer can include an adhesive and one layer can include as release
surface. For example, referring to FIG. 1, display device 100 can
be modified to include an adhesive on second side 123 of flexible
electronic display layer 120 instead of projections 124. A release
layer can be placed on first side 132 of flexible supporting layer
132 instead of projections 133. The adhesive may releasably adhere
to the release surface to couple the flexible electronic display
layer and flexible supporting layer as they are unwound from the
rollers and withdrawn from the housing. Alternatively, the release
layer can be on second side 123 of flexible electronic display
layer 120, while the adhesive can be on first side 132 of flexible
supporting layer 132. The release surface can, for example, include
a siliconized material or a fluoropolymer (for example,
polytetrafluoroethylene). The adhesive can be, for example, a
pressure-sensitive adhesive, such as a (meth)acrylic polymer.
[0086] The flexible supporting layer and flexible electronic
display layer can, in some embodiments, be releasably coupled using
one or more male engaging members that releasably engage one or
more female engaging members. The female engaging members can
include concave surface that is configured to receive a convex
surface of the male engaging members. As an example, female
engaging members and male engaging members can be interlocking
discs, such as a snap fastener. The male engaging members can be on
the flexible supporting layer, the flexible electronic display
layer, or both, The female engaging members can be on the flexible
supporting layer the flexible electronic display layer, or
both.
[0087] In some embodiments, the female engaging members can include
one or more loops, and the male engaging members include one or
more hooks configured to releasably engage the loops. For example,
the layers can have hook-and-loop fasteners (for example, VELCRO)
that releasably couple the flexible supporting layer and the
flexible electronic display layer.
[0088] The flexible supporting layer and flexible electronic
display layer can, in some embodiments, be releasably coupled using
one or more suction cups. For example, suctions cups can be
attached to the flexible supporting layer that can releasably
couple with a relatively smooth surface on the flexible electron
display layer. The suction cups can be on the flexible supporting
layer, the flexible electronic display layer, or both.
[0089] The flexible supporting layer and flexible electronic
display layer can in some embodiments, be releasably coupled using
magnetized regions. For example, the flexible electronic display
layer can include magnetized regions having a first polarity, and
the flexible supporting layer can include magnetized regions having
a second polarity. The magnetized regions having the first polarity
may attract the magnetized regions having the second polarity to
releasably couple the two layers. The magnetized regions can be
formed, for example, with thin bands of ferromagnetic materials in
each layer,
[0090] In some embodiments, the flexible supporting layer and
flexible electronic display layer can be releasably coupled using
charged regions. For example, the flexible electronic display layer
can include charged regions having a first charge, and the flexible
supporting layer can include charged regions having a second
charge. The charged regions haying the first charge can attract the
charged regions having the second charge to releasably couple the
two layers. The charged regions can be formed, for example, with
conductive materials (for example, a metal) embedded within an
insulating material (for example, an insulating, polymer).
[0091] The display device can optionally include two or more
flexible supporting layers (for example, two, three, four, five,
six or more flexible supporting layers) that releasably couple
together to increase stiffness. By including multiple layers, the
stiffness may be further increased. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional
view of one example of a display device having two flexible
supporting layers that is within the scope of the present
application. Display device 200 includes items 205-235 that
correspond to items 105-135, respectively, in the display device
100 as depicted in FIG. 1. For example, first roller 215 in display
device 200 can generally have the same characteristics as first
roller 115 in display device 100. Display device 200 also includes
a third roller 240 haying a second flexible supporting layer 245
partially wound around the third roller 240. First side 247 of
second flexible supporting layer 245 releasably couples with second
side 223 of flexible electronic display layer 220. Second side 248
of second flexible supporting layer 245 releasably couples with
first side 233 of flexible supporting layer 230.
[0092] As discussed, various approaches for releasably coupling,
the layers can be used. As a specific example, second flexible
supporting layer 245 can be a fluoropolymer layer having a release
surface on both first side 247 and second side 248. Second side 223
of flexible electronic display layer 220 and first side 233 of
flexible supporting layer 230 can both include an adhesive that
releasably adheres with second flexible supporting layer 245. As
another example, the layer can each include projections that
releasably couple. The means for releasably coupling the flexible
electronic display layer with the second flexible supporting layer
can be the same or different than the means for releasably coupling
the flexible supporting layer with the second flexible supporting
layer.
[0093] Second flexible supporting layer 245 can be fixed at one end
to flexible electronic display layer 220 and flexible supporting
layer 230 by fastener 235. Second flexible supporting layer 245 can
be fixed at an opposite end to third roller 240. Third roller 240
may generally have the same characteristics as first roller 215
and/or second roller 225. For example, third roller 240 may be
spring-loaded and include a ratchet.
[0094] The display device can, in some embodiments, include two or
more flexible electronic display layers. FIG. 3 is a
cross-sectional view of one example of a display device having two
flexible electronic display layers that is within the scope of the
present application. Display device 300 includes housing 305 having
first opening 310 and second opening 315. First roller 320 has
first flexible electronic display layer 325 partially wound around
first roller 320. Second roller 330 has first flexible supporting
layer 335 partially wound around second roller 330. First flexible
electronic display layer 325 can releasably couple with first
flexible supporting layer 335 and extend through first opening 310.
First flexible electronic display layer 325 can be fixed at one end
to first flexible supporting layer 335 by fastener 340.
[0095] Third roller 345 has second flexible electronic display
layer 350 partially wound around third roller 345. Fourth roller
355 has second flexible supporting layer 360 partially wound around
fourth roller 355. Second flexible electronic display layer 350 can
releasably couple with second flexible supporting layer 360 and
extend through second opening 315. Second flexible electronic
display layer 350 can be fixed at one end to second flexible
supporting layer 360 by fastener 365.
[0096] In some embodiments, at least one of the flexible electronic
display layers can function as an input device. For example, first
flexible electronic display layer 325 can be a touchscreen. In some
embodiments, first flexible electronic display layer 325 can be
replaced with an alternative flexible input device, such as a
flexible keyboard.
[0097] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of one example of a display
device having two flexible electronic display layers that is within
the scope of the present application. Display device 400 includes
items 405, 410, and 420-465 that correspond to items 305, 310, and
320-365, respectively, in the display device 300 as depicted in
FIG. 3. For example, third roller 445 in display device 400 can
generally have the same characteristics as third roller 345 in
display device 300. Third roller 445, second flexible electronic
display layer 450, fourth roller 455, and second flexible
supporting layer 460 are disposed within second housing 470 having
second opening 475. Housing 405 is rotatably coupled to second
housing 470 via hinge 480.
[0098] FIGS. 5A-B are cross-sectional views of one example of a
display device having two layers rotatably coupled that is within
the scope of the present application. FIG. 5A shows display device
500 having flexible supporting layer 505 having projections 510 on
first side 515 of flexible supporting layer 505. Flexible
electronic display layer 520 includes projections 525 on second
side 530 of flexible electronic display layer 520. Flexible
electronic display layer 520 is rotatably coupled to flexible
supporting: layer 505 by hinge 535. FIG. 5B shows display device
500 after rotating flexible supporting layer 505 about hinge 535.
Projections 510 and projections 525 are releasably coupled to
increase stiffness of flexible electronic display layer 520. An
image can be viewed from first side 540 of flexible electronic
display layer 520. The skilled artisan, guided by the teachings of
the disclosed embodiments, will appreciate that projections in
display device 500 can be readily substituted with one or more of
the various other means for releasably coupling the layers as
described in the disclosed embodiments. For example, a
hook-and-loop fastener similar to Velcro may be used instead of the
complimentary engaging projections. Similarly, various other
alternatives for hinge 535 may be used to rotatably couple the
layers. For example, a flexible adhesive tape may be used to
rotatably couple the two layers (for example, similar to certain
book binding techniques such as tape binding). As another example,
a spiral can be threaded through openings in both layers to
rotatably couple the two layers.
[0099] Some embodiments disclosed herein include a method of using
a display device. The method can be used, for example, on the
display devices disclosed in the present application (e.g., display
device 100 as depicted in FIG. 1). The method can include providing
a display device. The display device can include, for example, a
flexible supporting layer having a first side; and a flexible
electronic display layer having a first side configured to emit an
image and a second side configured to releasably couple with the
first side of the flexible supporting layer to increase stiffness
of the flexible electronic display layer.
[0100] The method of using a display device can also include
engaging the first side of the flexible supporting layer with the
second side of the flexible electronic display layer. Referring to
FIGS. 5A-B, the method can be performed, for example, by rotating
flexible supporting layer 505 in display device 500
counterclockwise from the configuration in FIG. 5A to the
configuration in FIGURE SB As another example, the method can be
performed by extending faster 135 in display device 100 as depicted
in FIG. 1 away from opening 110 of housing 105. The layers can, in
some embodiments, engage while passing between the first, roller
and the second roller for example, flexible electronic display
layer 120 engages flexible supporting layer 130 while passing
between first roller 115 and second roller 125 as depicted in FIG.
1). In some embodiments, the flexible electronic display layer and
flexible supporting layer can unwind from the first roller and the
second roller, respectively, at about the same time.
[0101] The method of using a display device can also include
disengaging the first side of the flexible supporting layer from
the second side of the flexible electronic. display layer.
Referring to FIGS. 5A-B, the method can be performed, for example,
by rotating flexible supporting layer 505 in display device 500
clockwise from the configuration in FIG. 5B to the configuration in
FIG. 5A. As another example, the method can be performed winding
flexible electronic display layer 120 about first roller 115 in
display device 100 as depicted in FIG. 1 such that fastener 135
moves toward opening 110 of housing 105. The layers can, in some
embodiments, disengage while passing between the first roller and
the second roller. In some embodiments, the flexible electronic
display layer and flexible supporting layer can wind about the
first roller and the second roller, respectively, at about the same
time.
[0102] Some embodiments disclosed herein include a method of making
a display device. The method can be used to make display devices
disclosed in the present application (for example, display device
100 as depicted in FIG. 1). The method can include, in some
embodiments, forming a first patterned array of projections on a
first side of a flexible supporting layer; and forming a second
patterned array of projections on a second side of a flexible
electronic display layer. The flexible electronic display layer can
include a first side configured to emit an image. In some
embodiments, the first patterned array of projections formed on the
first side of the flexible supporting layer is configured to
releasably engage the second patterned array of projections formed
on the second side of the flexible electronic display layer to
increase stiffness of the flexible electronic display layer.
[0103] The patterned array of projections can be formed, for
example, using one or more of casting, injection molding. UV
imprinting, and heat pressing. The patterned array of projections
can generally have the same characteristic as described above with
regard to the display device. For example, the projections can have
a width of about 1 nm to about 5 mm, or about 100 .mu.m to about 5
mm. The patterned array of projections can include straight bands
and/or non-straight bands for example, curved bands).
[0104] The method of making a display device can optionally include
engaging at least a portion of the first patterned array of
projections on the first side of the flexible supporting layer with
at least a portion of the second patterned array of projections on
the second side of the flexible electronic display layer. The
method can also include, in some embodiments, fixing a first end of
the flexible supporting layer to a first end of the flexible
electronic display layer.
[0105] In some embodiments, the method of making a display device
can include rotatably coupling the flexible electronic display
layer with the flexible supporting layer. For example, the layers
can have the same configuration as display device 500 as depicted
in FIGS. 5A-B. The layers can be rotatably coupled by fixing the
layers with a hinge, flexible adhesive tape, spiral, or the
like.
[0106] In some embodiments, the method of making a display device
can include at least partially winding the flexible electronic
display layer and the flexible supporting layer about a first
roller and a second roller, respectively. For example, the layers
can be wound around rollers in the same configuration as display
device 100 as depicted in FIG. 1. As such, the method can include
providing a first roller and a second roller; winding at least a
portion of the flexible electronic display layer around the first
roller; and winding at least a portion of the flexible supporting
layer around the second roller. The display device can be
configured so that the first patterned array of projections on the
flexible supporting layer engages the second patterned array of
projections on the flexible electronic display layer while
unwinding the flexible electronic display layer from the first
roller. The first roller, second roller, flexible electronic
display layer, and flexible supporting layer can optionally be
disposed in a housing having at least one opening. The flexible
electronic display layer can be configured to be withdrawn through
the opening of the housing.
[0107] The method of making a display device can also include
forming a second flexible electronic display layer and a second
flexible supporting layer. For example, the method can form display
device 300 as depicted in FIG. 3. As such, the method can also
include forming a third patterned array of projections on a first
side of a second flexible supporting layer; and forming a fourth
patterned array of projections on a second side of the flexible
supporting layer, The third patterned array of projections on the
first side of the second flexible supporting layer can be
configured to releasably engage a fourth patterned array of
projections on a second side of the flexible supporting layer.
[0108] The first roller, second roller, flexible electronic display
layer, flexible supporting layer, the third roller, the fourth
roller, the second flexible electronic display layer, and the
second flexible supporting layer can optionally be disposed in a
housing that includes at least two openings. The flexible
electronic display layer can be configured to be withdrawn through
the first opening of the housing, while the second flexible
electronic display layer can be configured to be withdrawn through
tile second opening of the housing.
[0109] In some embodiments, the first roller, second roller,
flexible electronic display layer, and flexible supporting layer
can be disposed in a first housing have at least one opening. The
flexible electronic display layer can be configured to be withdrawn
through the first opening of the housing. The third roller, the
fourth roller, the second flexible electronic display layer, and
the second flexible supporting layer may optionally be disposed in
a second housing that includes at least one opening. The second
flexible electronic display layer can be configured to be withdrawn
through the first opening of the housing. In some embodiments, the
first housing and second housing can be rotatably coupled. For
example, the both housing can be attached to a common hinge.
EXAMPLES
[0110] Additional embodiments are disclosed in further detail in
the following examples, which are not in any way intended to limit
the scope of the claims
Example1
Making and Using a Display Device
[0111] With reference to FIG. 6A, a display device is fabricated by
printing an organic light-emitting diode ("GEED") layer 605, for
example using "printed electronics technology" known in the art
screen printing, flexography, gravure, offset lithography, inject
printing, etc.) on a flexible polymeric film 610 (e.g.,
polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) film), to result in a flexible OLED
display layer 600. The flexible OLED display layer 600 may have a
thickness of about 100 .mu.m),
[0112] As shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, on the back side (second side)
of the flexible OLED display layer 600, line- and space-type
projections 625 made of an elastomeric material 615, e.g., rubber,
are fabricated. The projections 625 have a pitch of 7 .mu.m and a
depth of 7 .mu.m. The projections 625 are, for example, formed by
pressing a mold 620 into a layer of the elastomeric material
615.
[0113] As illustrated in FIG. 6D, the flexible OLED display layer
600 is connected to a driver circuit and battery 630. A supporting
layer 635 including an array of projections 640 (e.g., molded on a
flexible PEN film 645, as described above for the display layer) is
also made as shown in FIG. 6E. The array of projections 640 on the
supporting layer 635 is complementary to the array of projections
625 on the display layer. As shown in FIG. 6E, the display layer
600 and the supporting layer 635 are bound at the edge 650 so that
the projections are aligned to engage with each other.
[0114] As shown in FIG. 6F, the flexible GEED display layer 600 and
the supporting layer 635 are wound separately onto rollers 655 and
665, respectively, within a housing 660. The rollers have springs
and a releasable ratchet (not illustrated). A driver circuit and
battery 670 may be fixed in the housing 660.
[0115] To use the display device, the flexible OLED display layer
600 and the supporting layer 635 are unwound from the rollers 655
and 665, respectively, and withdrawn from the housing 660 to fully
extend the display device for use. The projections 625 on the
flexible OLED display layer 600 and the projections 640 on the
supporting layer 635 are engaged to increase stiffness of the
display device.
[0116] When the display device is stored, the ratchet is released.
The spring rotates the rollers to retract the display layer 600 and
the supporting layer 635 into the housing 660. The projections 625
on the display layer 600 and the projections 640 on the supporting
layer 635 are disengaged in the process so that the two layers are
wound up to the rollers 655 and 665 and stored in the housing
660.
Example 2
Making and Using a Display Device
[0117] A flexible OLED display layer 700 with a thickness of about
100 .mu.m is fabricated as described in EXAMPLE 1 by printing an
OLED layer 705 on a polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) film 710 as
shown in FIG. 7A. On the back side of flexible display layer 700, a
rubber layer 715 with molded line- and space-type projections 725
having a pitch of 1 mm and depth of 1 mm are fabricated.
[0118] When not in use, the flexible OLED display layer 700 of the
display device may be wounded up like a roil as illustrated in
FIGS. 7B and C. To use the display device, the display layer 700
may be unrolled and folded on itself as shown in FIG. 7D, such that
the back sides of the flexible OLED display layer 700 including the
line- and space-type projections 725 are folded towards each other
until the projections 725 engage to stiffen the display device.
Thus, one section on the back side can comprise a patterned array
of projections 725 which engages with the patterned array of
projections 725 on another section on the back side. It will be
appreciated that the back sides of the flexible OLED display layer
700 can engage to stiffen the display device according to any
combination of the embodiments disclosed herein, including but not
limited to a release surface and adhesive, male and female engaging
members, suction cups, magnetized regions, and charged regions. For
example, one section on the back side of the OLED display layer 700
can comprise male members, and another section on the back side of
the OLED display layer 700 can comprise female members. In some
embodiments, when the back sides of the display layer 700 are
folded toward each other, the male and female members may engage
each other to stiffen the display device 700.
[0119] It will be understood by those within the art that, in
general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims
(e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as
"open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as
"including but not limited to," the term "having" should be
interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be
interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be
further understood by those within the art that if a specific
number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an
intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence
of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an
aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain
usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more"
to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases
should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim
recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any
particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to
embodiments containing, only one such recitation, even when the
same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at
least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a"
and/or "an" should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or
more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used
to introduce claim recitations. in addition, even if a specific
number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited,
those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should
be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare
recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at
least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in
those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A,
B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended
in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the
convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C"
would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B
alone, C alone, A and B together. A and C together, B and C
together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances
where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc,"
is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense
one haying skill in the all would understand the convention (e.g.,
"a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not
be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B
together, A and C together, B and C together and/or A, B, and C
together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the
art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting
two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims,
or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities
of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms.
For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the
possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."
[0120] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are
described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will
recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of
any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush
group.
[0121] Mini As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for
any and all purposes, such as in terms of providing a written
description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all
possible sub-ranges and combinations of sub-ranges thereof. Any
listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing
and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal
halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting
example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down
into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. As will also
be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as "up
to," "at least," "greater than," "less than," and the like include
the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently
broken down into sub-ranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be
understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each
individual member. Thus, for example, a group having 1-3 articles
refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3 articles. Similarly, a group
having 1-5 articles refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4. or 5
articles, and so forth.
[0122] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed
herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those
skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed
herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be
limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the
following claims.
[0123] One skilled in the art will appreciate that, for this and
other processes and methods disclosed herein, the functions
performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in
differing order. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are
only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may
be optional, combined into .fewer steps and operations, or expanded
into additional steps and operations without detracting from the
essence of the disclosed embodiments.
[0124] One skilled in the art will appreciate that, for this and
other processes and methods disclosed herein, the functions
performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in
differing order. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are
only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may
be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded
into additional steps and operations without detracting from the
essence of the disclosed embodiments.
* * * * *